In a stunning turn of events, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sending shockwaves through the political landscape of Delta State and beyond. The announcement, made on April 23, 2025, marks a significant realignment in the state’s political dynamics as the 2027 general elections loom.
In the meeting which ended a few minutes ago Oborowheri announced his movement to the APC to caucus members, major stakeholders and LGA Chairmen of the state.
Sources from the Government House said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will likely be in Delta State next week to receive Oborevwori into the party.
The source also confirmed that there will be high powered meetings with the national leadership of the party in Abuja, where major APC stakeholder will be in attendance, including a member of the Federal Executive Council and Minister of Aviation, Chief Festus Keyamo, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Senator Ede Edafenone, Senator Ned Nwoko, Hon. Francis Waive, Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu and other top appointees of the state.
The Governor also directed all appointees to go back to their wards and register with the APC. Arrangements are also on top gear to mass produce the APC flag, as the state government will soon lower the PDP flag and replace it with the APC flag.
It would be recalled that the defection comes after months of intense speculation fueled by statements from political allies and opponents alike. On April 15, 2025, Delta State Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, sparked controversy by declaring that Oborevwori’s administration would end in 2031, aligning with the expected end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term. This statement was widely interpreted as a hint of Oborevwori’s inclination toward the APC, with Erijo’s remarks suggesting a strategic alignment with Tinubu’s leadership.
Oborevwori’s public endorsement of President Tinubu further intensified rumors. In a speech, he urged his supporters to back the President, stating, “Those who truly support me should also support the President.” Political analysts viewed this as a calculated step toward a formal defection, with many speculating that Oborevwori was positioning himself to leverage the APC’s national influence for his political future.
Despite the growing speculation, Oborevwori’s media team consistently denied plans to leave the PDP. On April 15, 2025, the Governor, through the Director General of the Delta Orientation and Communications Bureau, Fred Oghenesivbe, dismissed claims by Senator Ned Nwoko that Oborevwori was seeking to join the APC. Oghenesivbe called Nwoko’s allegations “laughable and baseless,” challenging the senator to provide evidence of any discussions between Oborevwori and APC leaders.
Nwoko, who defected to the APC from the PDP earlier in 2025, had claimed during a defection event in Agbor that Oborevwori was “not welcome” in the APC, a sentiment echoed by former Deputy Senate President Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. Both leaders argued that accepting Oborevwori could alienate APC supporters eager for a change from PDP’s 25-year dominance in Delta State.
The Delta State APC also rejected a proposal by House of Representatives member Francis Ejiroghene Waive, who suggested in March 2025 that the party adopt Oborevwori as its gubernatorial candidate for 2027, citing his “people-oriented programs and quality projects.” The APC leadership condemned Waive’s call, branding Oborevwori’s administration a “monumental disappointment” marked by “financial recklessness” and “infrastructural decay.”
Today’s announcement hasi put an end to the speculation with a public announcement confirming his defection to the APC.
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The defection has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters argue that Oborevwori’s move strengthens his political position by aligning with the ruling party at the federal level, potentially securing more resources for Delta State. Critics, however, view it as a betrayal of the PDP’s legacy in the state, with some accusing him of prioritizing personal ambition over party loyalty.
Oborevwori’s defection comes amid a wave of PDP members switching to the APC in Delta State. Over 5,000 PDP members, including high-profile figures like Senator Ned Nwoko and Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, have joined the APC since 2023, citing internal crises and dissatisfaction with Oborevwori’s leadership. Now that Oborevwori will be in the same party with them, only time will tell how they will manage their differences.
However, Oborevwori’s move faces challenges. The APC’s rejection of his potential membership by key figures like Nwoko and Omo-Agege suggests internal resistance that could complicate his integration. Analysts warn that his defection might spark backlash from PDP loyalists and APC members who view him as an opportunist.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to the APC is a pivotal moment in Delta State’s political history, reshaping alliances and setting the stage for a fiercely contested 2027 election. While his alignment with President Tinubu and the APC may bolster his political prospects, it also risks alienating key stakeholders in both parties. As Delta State navigates this turbulent period, the fallout from Oborevwori’s decision will likely define the state’s political trajectory for years to come.
